§ 40. Mr. Ammonasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in the Birmingham area there has been no reduction in the postage rate for parcels to soldiers serving in Palestine, that a parcel posted on 4th November was charged for at 2s. 9d. per 3 lbs. and one posted on 25th November, weighing 3 lbs. ½ oz., 3s. 6d.; whether he will take steps to have his announcement conveyed to the Birmingham post offices; and whether the Customs declarations, which have to be filled up and are complicated and vexatious, can be simplified, and particularly, the requirement as to stating the contents of a parcel in the language of the country in which the soldier is serving dispensed with as being one which mostly cannot be met?
§ Major TryonIf the hon. Member will furnish me with further details of the parcels to which he refers, particularly the name and address of the sender and the name of the post office at which in- 1190 correct rates were charged, I will gladly have inquiry made and any excess postage will be refunded. As the hon. Member may be aware, a very simple form of Customs declaration has been introduced for parcels for the British Expeditionary Force which is served by the Army Post Office. For parcels addressed to British troops elsewhere abroad, the use of the usual customs declaration is required by the country of destination; the forms may however be completed in English and it is not necessary for the senders to make the declaration relating to export licences at the foot of the form.